Comstock Charter Township - Planning Commission - October 30, 2025 Comstock Township Special Planning Commission Meeting

Municipal - License Commission Comstock Charter Township - Planning Commission - October 30, 2025 Comstock Township Special Planning Commission Meeting

Updated about 8 hours ago

LIVE gavel to gavel coverage of the October 30, 2025 Comstock Township Special Planning Commission Meeting from Comstock Township Hall.

The Commission continues considering the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance. Public comments highlight concerns over safety, particularly the system's proximity to schools and residential areas. Residents urge for more stringent setbacks and express doubts about the current ordinance's adequacy in addressing potential risks such as thermal runaway, toxic gas release, and fire hazards. The Planning Commission acknowledges these concerns and agrees to table the ordinance for further discussion, emphasizing the need for more research and public input before making a final decision. The meeting reflects the community's active engagement and the Commission's commitment to addressing public safety and environmental impacts.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:07)
The meeting is officially called to order.

The Charter Township of Comstock Planning Commission meeting is called to order at six o'clock.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:15)
Attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting attendees are invited to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:36)
The agenda is reviewed and approved with amendments.

The agenda is presented for approval. A request is made to move the approval of minutes before citizen comments. The agenda is approved as amended.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:18)
Minutes from previous meetings are reviewed and approved with corrections.

The minutes from two previous meetings, the moratorium committee and the planning commission, are reviewed. Concerns are raised about missing comments. Corrections are noted and the minutes are approved with the necessary adjustments.
Citizen Comments (00:06:57)
Residents express concerns about the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS).

During citizen comments, multiple residents express concerns about the proposed BESS, citing safety, environmental, and community issues. They urge the planning commission to consider the risks and listen to the community's objections.
Public Comments on Proposed Ordinance (00:32:41)
Several residents voiced concerns about the proximity of the proposed facility to schools and residential areas, emphasizing safety and environmental risks.

The meeting began with public comments where several residents, including William Knight and others, expressed their concerns regarding the proposed battery energy storage system ordinance. They highlighted issues related to the proximity of the facility to schools and residential areas, potential safety and environmental risks, and the process of the ordinance's development.
Continued Public Comments on Battery Facility (00:34:59)
Residents emphasized the potential dangers of the battery facility, including fire hazards and noise pollution, urging the board to consider their safety.

Public comments continued with residents sharing their fears and opposition to the proposed battery facility. Concerns were raised about fire hazards, noise pollution, and the impact on property values and quality of life. Speakers urged the board to prioritize community safety and consider the long-term effects on residents.
Further Public Comments and Concerns (00:46:07)
Community members expressed distrust towards the developers and concern over emergency evacuation plans, urging transparency and community involvement.

During this segment, more community members addressed the board, expressing distrust towards the developers and calling for greater transparency. Concerns were highlighted regarding inadequate emergency evacuation plans and potential environmental impacts. Residents urged the board to consider the long-term implications of the project on the community's health and safety.
Public Hearing on Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance (01:00:11)
The public hearing focused on the draft ordinance for the battery energy storage system, allowing residents to voice their opinions and concerns.

The meeting included a public hearing on the draft ordinance concerning the battery energy storage system. Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions, with many expressing opposition to the project due to safety, environmental, and community impact concerns. The board was urged to consider these factors in their decision-making process.
Written Comments Submitted (01:04:36)
A written statement from a resident was read into the record, emphasizing concerns about safety and transparency with the proposed facility.

As part of the meeting, a written statement from resident John Paver was read into the record. The statement highlighted concerns about the safety protocols and transparency regarding the proposed battery facility. Paver urged the board to implement stringent safety measures and ensure public transparency throughout the project's development.
Call to Order (01:05:02)
The meeting is called to order by the chair.

The meeting is officially called to order by the chair, signaling the start of the proceedings.
Reading of a Letter by Legal Counsel (01:05:07)
A request is made to have a letter read by legal counsel or Casey.

A request is made by a member to have a particular letter read aloud, suggesting it be done by legal counsel or Casey. The chair acknowledges the request.
Discussion on Proposed Changes to Ordinances (01:05:24)
Discussion on proposed changes to zoning ordinances regarding large offsite bests.

Kyle/Ben provides context for proposed changes to zoning ordinances. The changes include creating a flowing overlay for large offsite bests, setting minimum acreage, and other changes consistent with industry standards. The changes are intended to provide flexibility and are consistent with model ordinances and state acts.
Closing Public Comment (01:06:43)
Public comment period is closed by a motion and vote.

The chair suggests closing the public comment period. A motion is made and supported to close the public hearing, and a vote is taken, resulting in the closure of the public comment period.
Discussion of Ordinance Proposals and Public Comments (01:07:01)
Board members discuss the public comments and ordinance proposals.

Board members discuss the input from residents and their own views on the proposed ordinance changes. They express appreciation for the residents' preparedness and acknowledge the need to consider public feedback. Some members share their concerns and suggest they need to do more homework on the issues.
Motion to Table Discussion (01:09:50)
A motion is made to table the discussion to the next meeting.

A member suggests tabling the discussion to the next meeting. The motion is made to table the issue, and there is some discussion about the urgency of the timeline and the need for further consideration.
Discussion on Moratorium and Public Hearing (01:11:21)
Discussion on the moratorium expiration and the upcoming public hearing.

Members discuss the implications of the moratorium on current ordinances and the timeline for the public hearing. There is concern about the floating overlay and the proximity to schools.
Setting a Special Meeting (01:14:50)
The board discusses the possibility of setting a special meeting to continue discussions.

The board discusses the need for a special meeting to address the ordinance issues and continue discussions with more input from residents. They consider the logistics of scheduling such a meeting.
Citizen Comments (01:25:52)
Citizens express concerns about the battery plant and public safety.

During the citizen comment period, multiple residents express their concerns about the safety and location of a proposed battery plant, emphasizing the impact on public safety, especially for school children.
Updates from Other Boards (01:30:56)
Updates are provided on Metro transit and other approvals.

A board member provides updates on a Metro transit millage renewal and other approvals such as landscape forms and the high tech electric move into the old Cinar building.
Planning Commission Comments (01:34:45)
Planning Commissioners express their thoughts and gratitude to citizens.

Planning Commissioners share their gratitude for the citizen involvement and comment on the need to carefully consider the ordinance changes. They express a commitment to due diligence and acknowledge the complexity of the issues at hand.
Discussion on Packet Distribution Timing (01:37:16)
Discussion on the timing of distributing meeting packets, with a preference for sending them by Friday or at the latest by noon on Thursday, considering the commissioners' need to review materials ahead of meetings.

The discussion centered around the best practices for distributing meeting packets to commissioners. The ideal timeline is to send packets by Friday or, if not possible, by noon on Thursday. Commissioners expressed the need for consistency in the timing to allow adequate review time, balancing the need to include late-arriving documents with the confusion of multiple packet versions. The group acknowledged flexibility is needed but emphasized timely distribution is crucial for effective preparation.
Adjournment (01:40:31)
The meeting was adjourned, concluding the discussions and agenda items for the day.

The meeting was officially adjourned following the discussion on packet distribution. The chair thanked the participants for their contributions and the staff for their efforts in preparing and distributing meeting materials.